Summer colds are like common colds that happen during the summer. But why do they feel worse? To break it down, even though colds are virus-based, some viruses that cause colds are more prone to warmer weather; hence, making them summer colds.

As the climate shifts, so does the viral landscape. This shift introduces enteroviruses into the mix. They’re a group of viruses that usually cause mild infectious illnesses similar to that of the common cold, and often cause these infections during the summer and fall seasons. 

The various strains and versions of enteroviruses cause multiple symptoms, some of which are uncommon for summer colds, such as sudden fever, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. 

Common Symptoms of Summer Colds

• Pressure in the sinuses or head

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Coughing

• Congestion

• Body and muscle aches

• Sore throat

• Low energy 

Alleviating Symptoms

Although there aren’t any cures for colds, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms: 

• Drink plenty of fluids, mostly water. Stay away from drinks that can cause dehydration, like coffee or energy drinks. 

• Rest, rest, and more rest. Getting lots of rest is very important. Allowing yourself to rest during this time allows the body to heal and recuperate faster. 

• Cough medicine/pain relievers/fever reducers

• Decongestants 

• Humidifier to help with coughing and to reduce air dryness 

Please note that antibiotics do not treat colds. This is because antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, not viral ones, like colds. 

Ways To Prevent Summer Colds

There may not be a cure for colds, yet you can still prevent yourself from catching one by:

• Frequently wash your hands

• Get plenty of sleep to strengthen your immune system

• Eat well-balanced meals

• Remain well-hydrated 

• As much as possible, avoid contact with those who are sick

Conclusion

All in all, colds are not fun in any season. If you do catch a summer cold, know that there are ways to alleviate the symptoms. 

Summer colds typically last a few days up to a week. But if you develop more concerning symptoms, take the time to speak to your healthcare provider, drop by one of our 10 locations, or click here to schedule a Telemedicine appointment.

The post Summer Colds: Why Are They So Bad? appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Right as you pass them they let out an enormous sneeze. You instinctively run for cover, trying to evade the spray of droplets, forgetting whatever it was you needed to get.

Turns out they only had allergies.

The fear of contracting coronavirus has changed our daily perceptions of others. There is some crossover of symptoms between something noncontagious, like allergies, and with COVID-19, as well as some misinformation. We’re here to help clear things up.

Symptoms of the Coronavius

There are telltale symptoms of COVID-19, but the most significant are fever, dry cough, and fatigue. A few other symptoms are telling as well, such as difficulty breathing and a sore throat.

Not everything is known about this virus, and we’re learning more every day, but these three main symptoms are what you need to be on the lookout for.

Allergies: Similar yet Different

Many with seasonal allergies are accustomed to their reaction to pollen. That said, there are a handful of similar symptoms shared between allergies and COVID-19, like coughing, headache, fatigue; however, there are symptoms that are unique to allergies, like watery and/or itchy eyes, congestion, and sneezing.

If you’re experiencing different symptoms from your seasonal allergies, be sure to call your doctor or schedule a telemedicine visit by clicking here. 

Everybody is different and reacts differently to allergens, and even the coronavirus. We’re finding out new things all the time about COVID-19, but nobody knows your body better than you do.

Be mindful of what your body is trying to tell you, including keeping tabs on where you go and where you’ve been. Remember, you can carry the virus asymptotically, or without showing symptoms, so it’s important to follow proper protocol to avoid spreading the virus to others.

The post Don’t Mistake Allergies for COVID-19 appeared first on Quick Med Care.

When you are feeling terrible, your first thought is usually “How do I get better?” Whether what you’re feeling is a common cold, or the flu, seems like a formality. However, it could be an important distinction, especially if you are one of the millions of Americans at risk for complications.

Both the common cold and the flu are viral infections that can spread quickly, especially through close contact. Because both are viral, antibiotics will not be effective and will not be prescribed. However, a Quick Care Med provider may be able to help you by treating the symptoms, and by ensuring there is nothing more serious going on.

Common Cold Symptoms

A cold can make you feel miserable. The good news is that should only last a few days to a week. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you probably have a cold:
• The initial symptom for most people is a sore throat. This usually only lasts for the first day or two
• A stuffy, runny nose usually follows, along with nasal congestion
• Mild body aches and/or fatigue are common
• Adults will rarely have a fever. A low-grade fever may be present in children
• A cough may develop 3 to 5 days into the cold

You do not need to see a medical professional for a cold unless it persists for more than a week. At that point, if symptoms are not improving, or are getting worse, you may have developed a bacterial infection, and you should seek medical attention.

Symptoms of the Flu

The flu is a more serious viral infection that can progress to other illnesses, like pneumonia, especially if you are in one of the at-risk categories – the very young, the very old, and anyone who has a weakened immune system. The flu should be closely monitored in at-risk patients, or anyone who is getting worse over time. Symptoms of the flu include:
• The illness comes on suddenly
• Moderate to severe body aches and fatigue
• Fever, especially above 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Exhaustion, especially during the first few days
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Diarrhea and vomiting (mainly in children)

If you visit a Quick Care Med provider within the first two days of the beginning of flu symptoms, the provider may be able to prescribe antiviral medication, which has been shown to have an impact on the severity of symptoms, and can also shorten the number of days you are sick with the flu. Those most at risk for complications should begin the antivirals whether or not they are within the two-day symptom period.
If you start to experience shortness of breath, or if your fever returns after being gone for a few days, see a provider right away as this could point to pneumonia.

Home Care for Cold and Flu

The following home care might help to relieve symptoms during your recovery:
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, like Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen, for body aches and pains
• Gargle with warm salt water to relieve sore throat or earaches
• Drink lots of fluids, and REST
• Use a nasal rinse or saline drops
• Use a mentholated topical ointment to help with breathing
• Employ a vaporizer or humidifier
• Over-the-counter cold and cough medicines are not recommended for young children, but can be used to manage the symptoms of adults

Your Quick Care Med providers can perform tests to determine which treatments need to be administered, and how to get you back on your feet in no time!

The post Congestion, Runny Nose, and a Cough? appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Our lungs are a vital part of our body system, filling and contracting thousands of times per day. It’s no wonder that the lungs, and the tubes that connect them to other parts of the body, often become inflamed or sick.

Respiratory illnesses can range from a viral infection – such as a cold, the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or an upper respiratory infection – to bronchitis, asthma, or pneumonia. On rare occasions, more serious illnesses can be present. Whatever the cause, some respiratory illnesses can worsen over time without treatment, so if you suspect something is wrong, come in to see a Quick Care Med provider right away.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are the number one reason people seek medical treatment in the US, and result in the highest number of missed days from work or school (Medicinenet.com). Common symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, cough, and sometimes feeling tired or unable to take deep breaths. These viral infections are most common between September and March, and symptoms usually last 3 – 14 days.
Because this illness is a viral infection, antibiotics will not help. It is best to treat the symptoms, and get plenty of rest – which your body needs to heal itself. Treatments you might try include:
• Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with body aches and sore throat
• Decongestants or antihistamines for the nasal drainage
• Cough medicine
• Nasal spray or saline drops
• Steam from the shower
• Honey
• Salt-water gargles
• Drinking plenty of fluids, including warm beverages that can soothe the throat
• Sleeping in a semi-propped-up position can help with nighttime coughing
Upper Respiratory Tract infections are contagious, so limit contact with loved ones to avoid spreading the illness

Bronchitis

If your cough gets worse or won’t go away, or if you begin wheezing, you might have developed bronchitis. Bronchitis occurs when your bronchial tubes, whose job it is to carry oxygen to your lungs from your windpipe, become inflamed and coated with mucus.
Bronchitis can be viral, and will need to be treated like an upper respiratory tract infection, or may be caused by a bacterial infection and require antibiotics. Only an examination from a medical professional can determine your diagnosis, and offer treatment options.

Pneumonia

If you develop chest pain, shortness of breath, a productive cough, fever, or fatigue, you could have pneumonia – an infection in one or both lungs that causes the tiny air sacs, known as alveoli, to fill with mucus or fluid. This makes it more difficult to be able to take deep breaths.
Pneumonia is usually a bacterial infection, but can be viral as well. A Quick Care Med medical professional can do a thorough assessment of your situation to determine the best course of treatment.
Whatever the type of respiratory illness, it is important to get plenty of rest, drink lots of non-caffeinated fluids, and avoid smoking or being around 2nd hand smoke.

The post Do You Have a Cough You Just Can’t Shake? appeared first on Quick Med Care.